Archive | August, 2012

Our Fall issue is here! PointBank drives literacy with their Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Tailgating season is also here, with new recipes to try. And check out Denton’s ghosts, goblins & ghouls with Denton Haunts Tour.

It’s that time again! Time to think about school clothes, carpools, tutors and after school lessons…Yikes! It’s also time to think about those community resources that sometimes get overlooked…..your library!

PointBank’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament has benefitted the Denton County Library System for over twenty-one years. The bank is committed to raising funds to maintain and grow library resources and services, and impact library-based literacy programs.

Raymond David, PointBank CEO states “PointBank’s goal is to assist in developing prosperous, successful and healthy local communities. We believe that libraries play a critical role in the process so we have made them our major philanthropic focus for over twenty-one years.”

The library’s impact on literacy is much more critical than some might expect. From the child who keeps their reading level up all summer via library programs, to the many extended programs our libraries offer for children as well as adults. Families are borrowing books and DVDs instead of buying them, the unemployed search and apply for jobs utilizing the library’s computer and broadband, and parents are taking their children to libraries for recreation. But as municipalities must look for ways to cut spending, the libraries are unfortunately one of the targets.

Donations from the event have contributed to building expansion and improvements, technology, books, job search tools for unemployed citizens, reading programs for children, and child education and development, just to name a few.

The PointBank Charity Golf Tournament will be held Monday, November 12th, at Tour 18 Dallas, which boasts simulated holes from some of the best golf courses in America. Located at 8718 Amen Corner in Flower Mound, the day begins with breakfast, then shot gun start at 8:00 am, refreshments on the course, lunch and cash awards. Teams are $500, with special sponsorships available to promote your local business. We urge everyone to play some part in supporting your local library as well as your community. Whether through donation, sponsorship or enjoying the networking while you play, everyone can be a part.

For more information contact PointBank at 972-434-3200 or 940-686-7000
or go to www.pointbank.com

Sometimes there can be a simple solution to lower back pain, hip pain or knee pain. Osteoarthritis can develop at one of these sites because one leg is just a tiny bit shorter than the other. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine say leg-length inequality is a is a risk factor that could be eliminated with by a simple shoe insert.

Even if you never noticed that one of your legs is shorter than the other, the shorter leg and knee are at greater risk for osteoarthritis (OA) because of how the body adapts to the inequality.

The affected leg has to travel a greater distance, even if it is minimal, to reach the ground with every step. That means it has a higher impact velocity because it’s “going downhill.”

The condition can also make a difference in the hip muscle and can create hip pain on the shorter leg side.

Researchers say leg-length inequality is an under-recognized and undertreated condition. In their study, Patients with this condition were 1.5 times more likely to develop symptoms of osteoarthritis over the next 30 months. Doctors at Duke Medical Center say leg-length inequality occurs in up to 70 percent of the population. As little as 0.5 cm is associated with OA.

Another factor that could make one leg seem shorter than the other is a spinal problem. Scoliosis can make the spine bend somewhat in one direction, causing the leg on that side to have the effect of being shorter. Osteoporosis of the spine can result in a similar effect.

The most accurate method of determining leg length is a radiographic measurement of the leg from the top of the thighbone to the ankle. But some physical therapists or podiatrists (who make shoe lifts) have experience measuring leg length and can recommend a custom-made shoe insert.

On the other hand, if you want to try something yourself, it wouldn’t hurt to get a heel lift at the drugstore to see if it helps your pain. Get one of the type that is a little thicker than the standards that are for sale.

Classic, hot rod and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles are the main attraction at the Denton Main Street Association’s (DMSA) Arts, Antiques & Autos event Saturday, September 8th, from 9 am to 3 pm, around the historic Courthouse-on-the-Square.

This festival showcases up to 200 car show participants whose owners are competing for the coveted Best of Show award. Festival-goers can also shop and stroll through fine arts & crafts vendor booths with one-of-a-kind pieces, or peruse the silent auction and bid on great downtown merchant goods and local art items. The antique collector, or those aspiring to start, can learn some fast facts about a special antique or heirloom in the “Attic Treasure” Information Appraisals. Hands-on arts, crafts and games keep the kids busy, while local bands playing live music entertain the crowds all day long. The fall festival atmosphere is complete with food from numerous downtown eateries and festival vendors.

“This festival is one Denton’s most popular community events and it highlights historic downtown Denton in a unique way that truly captures the treasures of Denton’s past and present,” said Larry Parker, DMSA president. “We are excited to add an art contest this year and we encourage our local artists to enter.”
A new feature of the event this year includes an art contest with hand-rendered or digitally produced entries focusing on the courthouse, downtown buildings and iconic Denton sites, automobiles, motorcycles, antiques, or other things that represent the event and Denton. Artists may enter for free with a chance to win prizes and see their artwork used for next year’s event.

With all the activities and entertainment, this is the ideal way to spend a weekend in Denton. General admission to the event is free. Tickets for “Attic Treasure” Information Appraisals are $5/item and can be purchased on event day at the Information Booth or inside the Courthouse-on-the-Square. For directions, event schedule, entry forms, and more about the event, please visit www.dentonmainstreet.org. Also, on facebook – Denton Main Street Association and follow on Twitter @DentonMSA.

Arts, Antiques & Autos is presented by the Denton Main Street Association with The Denton Record-Chronicle, First United Bank, and Northstar Bank, with the support of the City of Denton, CBS Mechanical, Denton Depot, Five Star Rental, Industrial Street Guild, Maaco Collision Repair, Thomas’ Ethan Allen, and Verizon FiOS.

North Texas Horse Country Tour

Tour Dates: September 8th, October 6th and November 3rd
Wind your way through the beautiful Horse Country of North Texas! Go behind-the-scenes at two premiere Horse Ranches. Enjoy a Chuck Wangon BBQ lunch and music. Observe an exclusive Equine Presentation, all in the comfort of a Luxury Motorcoach. Meet at the Historical Park at 9 am, and return at 3 pm. Tickets are $40 and need to be purchased via the Denton CVB. Call 940-382-7895 if interested.

Denton Blues Festival

September 15th – 16th | Quakertown Park
Denton’s Black Chamber of Commerce presents it’s Annual Blues Festival. Plenty of fun for the entire family that includes music, dancing, food, drinks and a talent contest. Admission is FREE! Gates open at Noon both days.

6th Annual Wild Beast Feast

September 29th | 6:00 pm
Cooks rustle up some rabbit, duck, buffalo, elk and alligator for tasting and prizes. Live music. 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Adult $20.00 and children are (4yr-12yr) $5.00. Child under 4 yrs is free. For more information please call 940-382-2787. Located at North Texas State Fair Grounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd.

2nd Annual Komen No TX Denton Race for the Cure

September 29th | 6:00 am
By participating in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, you become part of a grassroots network that has changed the way the world talks about and treats breast cancer. You can make a difference as you celebrate survivorship, honor those who have lost their battle, and most importantly, raise funds and awareness for the fight against this life-threatening disease. The Race for the Cure will be held at South Lake Park. Details: komennorthtexas.org or call 972-378-4808

27th Annual Aubrey Peanut Festival

October 6th
Aubrey Peanut Festival dates to 1986, when residents began celebrating the harvest of the local cash crop. Today it honors the area’s peanut heritage and includes a full slate of activities. Festival begins on Saturday at 10:00 am with the parade. Located in downtown Aubrey at the Festival Grounds, 301 S. Main Street.

Denton Co. Master Gardener Fall Garden Festival

October 6th | 9:00 am
This year our theme is Gardening: DIY. As usual there will be interesting speakers, lots of shopping, door prizes, and fun and educational activities for the kids. Admission is free, so mark your calendar now! Workshop times: 10:00 Vermiculture and Composting, 11:00 Fall Vegetable Gardening, 12:00 Herbs from Garden to Table, 1:00 Propagation (Roses). Come and take part in our seed exchange. Bring some seeds from your favorite plants to share and pick up some of our favorites to try. Located at Denton Bible Church, 2300 E. University Dr.

Stream Clean 2012

October 13th
A fall waterway clean-up event will be held Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to noon. Event headquarters are located at the Denton Civic Center—321 E. McKinney St. Stream Clean is a volunteer cleanup event, which targets specific waterways in and around Denton. You can make a difference in the Denton community! Cleaning up our waterways is important, improves Denton’s appearance, and impacts our quality of life. When litter makes its way into our storm drains and drainage ditches, it doesn’t stop there — it ends up in our lakes, streams, and rivers. Starting in September, you can pre-register online at www.cityofdenton.com or call (940) 349-8172.

14th Annual Community Tree GiveAway

October 27th | 8 am – 12 pm
In celebration of National Make a Difference Day, Keep Denton Beautiful will distribute 1000 free trees to registered Denton residents. Available trees include: Live Oak, Red Oak, Burr Oak, Chinkapin Oak, Cedar Elm, Pecan, Texas Redbud, Mexican White Oak, and Eve’s Necklace. Participation is easy. Interested residents can pre-register at www. KDB.org, beginning September 21st. Only individuals who have pre-registered will be permitted to pick up a tree on event day. Trees are available on a first-come, first served basis, so participants are encouraged to pre-register early. For the convenience of participants, KDB volunteers will load the trees in vehicles in a drive-through fashion without anyone having to leave their vehicle. There is a maximum of 1 tree per household, or 8 trees per vehicle if participants are carpooling or picking up for multiple households. Participants must bring proof of city of Denton residence (i.e. utility bill, driver’s license with City of Denton address) in order to receive their tree.For more information about KDB programs, please visit www.kdb.org.

I am thinking about planting trees this fall to add shade to my house and yard. Are there any trees that you would recommend for the North Texas climate?

As you are aware, a well-landscaped yard can provide shade for your home and help reduce your energy bills. A good tree canopy can also increase your property value. When looking for trees to plant for shade, always look for native trees that lose their leaves during the fall. Plant your trees on the south side of your house to help protect against the sun during the warmer months and allow sunlight into your home during the colder months.

Some native trees that grow to be quite tall include the Tuliptree, Honeylocust, Sawtooth Oak, Northern Red Oak, and Black Walnut. Remember not to plant trees near power lines, unless the mature height of the tree will reach no more than thirty feet. Some of the smaller native trees include Flowering Dogwood, Texas Redbud, Texas Mountain Laurel, and Crape Myrtle.

For more information about planting the right tree, in the right place, please visit www.dmepower.com/treetrimming.